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The horse rider, who is currently completing her doctorate degree in neuroscience at the University of Cape Town, was taken to a nearby hospital, where her leg was x-rayed over concerns that her thigh bone had broken.

Her bruising was so severe that doctors had to test Antoinette's kidneys to make sure her organs were not damaged.

Antoinette said: "Luckily the bone was intact and my kidneys cleared but the muscle in my thigh, which is right in the middle, was partially torn.

This image was taken 48 hours after the accident in which she suffered a severe hematoma

"I also had a hematoma just below where the hoof print was on my leg and I was given a pain and anti-inflammatory injection before I was sent home.

"I was in constant contact with my physiotherapist, doctor and paramedic from Cape Town, as well as two vets and a wound specialist from Johannesburg.

"All of them told me to not pressure bandage the leg, as it could create compartment syndrome, which would have me worse off than what I already was.